GENERAL

MS in Computer Science in New Zealand: Tuition Fees, Top Universities, Scholarships, Job Opportunities

AG
Anjali Gupta • 13 Mins read • 11 Aug 25
MS in Computer Science in New ZealandMS in Computer Science in New Zealand

MS in Computer Science in New Zealand eligibility to take admission in the top universities requires a degree with a minimum 60% in a bachelor's programme in Computer Science or a related field. The duration of Master's in Computer Science in New Zealand is 1-3 years, and the entrance exams that need to be cleared to be eligible for the admissions are TOEFL, GRE, and IELTS. The applicants get various job roles after the completion of Master's in New Zealand, such as Front-end Developer, Software Architect, System Analyst, IT Security Consultant, Web Developer, and many others.

MS in New Zealand Fees of the top universities offering Computer Science range around NZD 40,000 to NZD 60,000, which is INR around ₹ 20,68,000 to ₹ 31,00,000. Massey University Master’s Research Scholarship, William Georgetti Scholarship, University of Auckland International Student Excellence Scholarship, Fork Tip Women’s Innovation Scholarship, Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships, etc, are the various scholarships for Masters in Computer Science in New Zealand are available. Auckland University, University of Canterbury, Massey University, and Victoria University are the top-ranked universities of New Zealand offering Master's in Computer Science.

The months of February and July are the peak seasons for the intake sessions for admission to Masters in Computer Science in New Zealand. More than 45,000 students annually apply for admission to New Zealand for this programme. Around NZD 87,000, which is INR around ₹ 45,00,000, is the salary after Master degree in New Zealand in Computer Science. Deloitte, Pushpay, Amazon, Infosys, IBM, Xero, Cognizant, Serko, etc. are the top recruiters for the Master of Computer Science in New Zealand


Highlights of the MS in Computer Science in New Zealand Course

Details of New Zealand Masters Programs, such as application mode, entrance test required, eligibility criteria, specializations, are discussed in the table below. These details will help applicants before applying for admission to know about the programme thoroughly. 

Particular 

Details

MS in Computer Science course full form

Master of Science in Computer Science

Entrance test

PTE, IELTS, TOEFL

Eligibility criteria

Minimum 60% in Computer Science or related field in Undergraduate degree

Duration

1-3 years

Average programme fees

₹ 20,68,000 to ₹ 31,00,000 

Intake seasons of the course

February and July

Average salary

₹ 45,00,000

Master degree in New Zealand: Highest Salary

₹ 67,00,000

Top recruiters

  • Google
  • Cognizant
  • IBM
  • Infosys
  • Deloitte
  • Microsoft
  • Amazon
  • Xero
  • Datacom

Top specializations

  • Cloud Computing
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Software Engineering
  • Cybersecurity
  • Data Science
  • Business Analyst
  • Network Administrator

Top-ranked universities

  • University of Canterbury
  • University of Otago
  • University of Auckland
  • Auckland University of Technology
  • Victoria University of Wellington


MS in Computer Science in New Zealand: Important Dates and Events

Masters of Computer Science in New Zealand upcoming events, such as the entrance exam, which are required for admission are mentioned in the table below. The important dates of PTE, TOEFL, and IELTS should be checked by the applicants before the preparation.

Upcoming events

Dates

PTE Test Dates 2025

July 2025- December 2025

IELTS Exam Date (August, September) 2025

August 2nd - September 27th, 2025

TOEFL Examination 2025 August

Between August 2nd - August 31st, 2025

TOEFL exam dates 2025 September

Between September 1st - September 30th, 2025

IELTS Test 2025 (October, November & December)

October 1st - December 31st, 2025

GRE Test 2025

September 8th - September 21st, 2025


MS in Computer Science in New Zealand Application Deadline

The universities have different application deadlines for Master of Computer Science in New Zealand, which are given below in the table with dates. The intake seasons of the top universities of New Zealand are mainly during February and July, and for some courses, which are limited, the intake session is in September.

University

Deadline

University of Otago

15 November, 2025

University of Canterbury

13 December, 2025

University of Auckland

24 October, 2025

Massey University

30 October, 2025

Victoria University

1 December, 2025

University of Waikato

11 November, 2025


Visa Application Timeline MS in Computer Science in New Zealand

The international students who are planning to go to New Zealand to study a masters in Computer Science need to apply for the New Zealand student visa 3-4 months before the programme starts. The applicants can check the details like the timing of the application, visa processing time and documents required for the process in the table.

Particular

Details

Visa processing time

6-8 weeks

Timing of the application

For the February and July intake, application starts 3-4 months before the programme begins.

Application mode

Online mode through the Immigration New Zealand portal.

Documents

Passport, Enrollment proof, Minimum NZD 20,000 annually financial proof, Health certificate, Character Certificate, IELTS score, TOEFL score.


Why choose an MS in Computer Science in New Zealand?

The applicants who are thinking of choosing a Masters in Computer Science in New Zealand can go for it without having any confusion related to the programme or the country. The best thing about New Zealand is that it offers a visa to applicants to search for opportunities to work after completing their degree. Being the first country to implement the International Student Welfare Policy, New Zealand offers various scholarships for students, like Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships, New Zealand International Scholarships, etc.

Benefits of Studying in New Zealand for MS in Computer Science

  • New Zealand has seen an increase of 34% in admissions in 2024, as Indian applicants are choosing New Zealand as their primary destination for studying.
  • Globally, the Universities of New Zealand are in the top 3% of the best universities.
  • The New Zealand government offers students a visa even after completing the course for the job search.
  • One of the biggest reasons to choose New Zealand is that it is considered one of the safest countries for international students.
  • System Analyst, Application Support, Web Developer, etc are the job roles offered by the universities with the salary range of NZD 70,000 - NZD 1,00,000

Also Check: MS in Computer Science in Germany

MS in Computer Science in New Zealand Fees

New Zealand MS Fees for Computer Science generally range around NZD 40,000 - NZD 60,000, which is INR ₹ 20,74,000 - ₹ 31,00,000. The tuition fees of different universities in New Zealand are discussed below in the table. The students can through each university’s tuition fees and choose the university accordingly.

University

Total fees in NZD

Total fees in INR

University of Otago

NZD 44,700

₹ 23,11,00

Massey University

NZD 39,000

₹ 20,16,300

University of Auckland

NZD 48,400

₹ 25,02,300

University of Waikato

NZD 58,400

₹ 30,19,300

Victoria University

NZD 60,700

₹ 31,38, 220

University of Canterbury

NZD 53,500

₹ 27,66,00



MS in Computer Science Cost of Living in New Zealand

The applicants get worried about the cost of living in New Zealand, which is a little bit more expensive than in India. The cost of living breakdown, including transportation, personal expenses, health insurance, accommodation, is given below in the table with the expenses of each month. The applicants can check the cost and decide on further planning.

Expenses

Expense in NZD

Expenses in INR

Mess

NZD 7800

₹ 40,32,00

Health Insurance

NZD 700

₹ 36,200

Accomodation

NZD 13,800

₹ 7,135,00

Personal Expenses

NZD 2700

₹ 1,40,000

Utilities

NZD 270

₹ 14,000


MS in Computer Science in New Zealand Qualification

The qualification of MS in Computer Science in New Zealand is a minimum 70-75% in an undergraduate degree in Computer Science or a related field with minimum B grade and GPA requirement. 

Particular

Qualification details

Freshers qualification

No work experience with 70% in an undergraduate degree with minimum GPA of 3.0.

Experienced qualification

1-2 years of experience is acceptable in the same field.


MS in Computer Science in New Zealand Eligibility

The eligibility for Masters in Computer Science in New Zealand requires the academic qualification, minimum score required in English proficiency tests like IELTS, TOEFL, GRE, and GPA score. The applicants can check the eligibility requirements below in detail in the table.

Particular

Eligibility requirement

Academic qualification

Minimum B grade with 70-75% in undergraduate studies in Computer Science or a related field.

GPA

A 4.5 GPA score should be achieved by the applicants to be eligible for admission.

IELTS

6.5 score on IELTS to get admission in New Zealand universities.

PTE

PTE score of 58

TOEFL

A score of 90 in the TOEFL test is demanded by the top universities of New Zealand.


MS in Computer Science in New Zealand Application Process

Masters in Computer Science in New Zealand application process is a procedure that applicants should follow to get admission in the universities of New Zealand. It begins with shortlisting the universities by researching and submitting the documents that are mandatory for the student visa.

Step 1: Research and shortlist the universities according to the rank, merit, and preferences.

Step 2: Collect all the mandatory documents for the admission, such as SOP, LOR, Resume, Passport, etc.

Step 3: Start filling out the application form of the selected university and pay the application fee as mentioned on the official portal of the university.

Step 4: Apply for the student visa of New Zealand by submitting all the documents.

Step 5: Some of the universities accept interviews, wait for it and be careful about the deadline.


Documents required in New Zealand for MS in Computer Science

To complete the application process, it requires submission of the documents. A list of documents mentioned below, the applicants can check and prepare them before the application process begins.

  • Resume
  • Passport
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Proof of Funds
  • Letters of Recommendations
  • Academic Transcripts
  • TOEFL scorecard
  • IELTS scorecard
  • ID proof
  • Experience of work (if required)


University-Wise Admission Process for MS in Computer Science in New Zealand 

The universities of New Zealand offer the MS in Computer Science to applicants who are eligible to take admission. Look at the admission process of universities with different requirements. Each university requires passing of IELTS and TOEFL tests to be eligible.

University

Admission requirement

Massey University

TOEFL score of 90/Undergraduate degree with B-grade average or higher.

University of Waikato

90 score in the TOEFL test with a 6.5 IELTS score with a Computer Science degree in bachelor’s.

Victoria University

An undergraduate degree with an English passing test of IELTS with 6.5 and 90 in TOEFL.

University of Canterbury

IELTS with 6.5 and TEFL with 90 with a minimum degree in undergraduate in the same field.

University of Auckland

GPA of 5.0 is required with a bachelor’s degree, and IELTS/ TOEFL with 6.5 and 90.

University of Otago

B average GPA with Computer Science degree in bachelor’s and IELTS with a 6.5 score.


MS in Computer Science in New Zealand Entrance Exams

An MS in Computer Science in New Zealand does not require any particular entrance exam, although English Proficiency exams are mandatory. The passing of the Entrance exams like TELTS, GRE, PTE, and TOEFL is required to take admission in the programme in New Zealand.

Entrance exam

Details

PTE (Pearson Test of English)

The scores accepted by some of the universities are around 61 and 66.

GRE (Graduate Record Examinations)

Between 270-300 is accepted.

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)

90 score is accepted by all the universities in TOEFL. 

GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test)

Some of the universities also accept GMAT scores.

IELTS (International English Language Testing System)

6.5 score is mandatory in the University of New Zealand for IELTS.


IELTS/TOEFL/GRE Preparation Strategy

Both the test IELTS and TOEFL tests are compulsory to pass and score minimum marks accepted by the top universities of New Zealand. The applicants can score well in the test if they will prepare by making strategies and the study plan will also help in managing the time well.

  • Both tests include writing, reading and speaking skills; the applicants can engage in communication with their friends, which will enhance their pronunciation.
  • Check the trusted resources for the preparation online, go through the syllabus and make the plan accordingly.
  • Practice regularly, as it will only help in scoring well, and it highlights the weak parts on which hard work is required.


MS in Computer Science in New Zealand Scholarships

Scholarships for MS in Computer Science in New Zealand are available for applicants to ease them in the tuition fees, such as the University of Auckland International Student Excellence Scholarship, Fork Tip Women's International Student Excellence Scholarship, etc. Check the scholarship with the eligibility and benefits below:

Scholarship

Benefit

Eligibility

International Master’s Research Scholarship

NZD 17,000

Master’s degree should be completed with the English Proficiency Test.

William Georgetti Scholarship

Up to NZD 20,000

The applicants must be residents of New Zealand for at least 5 years.

Fork Tip Women’s International Student Excellence Scholarship

NZD 2000

Minimum GPA score in Full-time or part-time degree program.

University of Auckland International Student Excellence Scholarship

NZD 10,000

International student with a minimum GPA of 6.0.


MS in Computer Science in New Zealand  cutoff

The cutoff of MS in Computer Science in New Zealand universities gives priority to English Proficiency Test (IELTS/TOEFL), and academic qualification (70-75% or higher). The score of IELTS is 6.5 with no band below 6.0, and 90 on the TOEFL test. The list of cutoffs of each university is discussed below in the table.

University

Cutoff

Victoria University

  • TOEFL: 90
  • IELTS: 6.5

University of Otago

  • TOEFL: 90
  • IELTS: 6.5

University of Canterbury

  • TOEFL: 90
  • IELTS: 6.5

Massey University

  • TOEFL: 90
  • IELTS: 6.5

University of Auckland

  • TOEFL: 90
  • IELTS: 6.5

Lincoln University

  • TOEFL: 90
  • IELTS: 6.5


MS in Computer Science in New Zealand Syllabus

The syllabus of MS in Computer Science in New Zealand includes core courses like Algorithms, Research Methods, and Operating Systems, with specializations in Data Science, Cybersecurity, Cloud Computing, and many more.

Curriculum

Courses/Specializations

Core courses

Software Engineering

Database Systems

Research Methods

Algorithms and Data Structures

Operating Systems

Electives and Specializations

Cybersecurity

Human-Computer Interaction

Cloud Computing

Data Science

Artificial Intelligence


Best Universities for MS in Computer Science in New Zealand

Among the best universities in New Zealand for a Masters of Computer Science are Lincoln University, Mākau Institute of Technology, Auckland University, Unitec Institute of Technology, and many more. The table is listed below with the QS World Ranking of each university:

University

QS World Ranking 2025

Lincoln University

371

Auckland University

407

University of Canterbury

256

Victoria University of Wellington

241

University of Waikato

250

University of Otago

206

Massey University

239


MS in Computer Science in New Zealand vs India

Master in Computer Science in New Zealand offers a higher tuition fee (NZD 40,000 - 60,000) than in India (₹ 1,00,000 - ₹ 5,00,000). The comparison table is given below between New Zealand and India, which contains duration, admission requirements, visa for Post-study, Living cost, etc.

Category

New Zealand

India

Living cost

NZD 27,000

₹ 15,000 - ₹ 20,000

Tuition fees

NZD 40,000 - NZD 60,000

₹ 30,000 - ₹ 3,50,000

Duration

1-3 years

2 years

Top-ranked Universities

Lincoln University, University of Otago, Unitech Institute of Technology, University of Auckland, Auckland University of Technology

IIT Madras, NIT Trichy, VIT Vellore, IIT Kanpur, IIT Delhi, IIIT Hyderabad

Admission requirement

IELTS 6.5 & TOEFL 90

GATE

Job opportunities

Software Tester, Systems Analyst, Web Developer, Systems Analyst, Data Scientist

Project Manager, Software Developer, Cybersecurity Analyst, Database Administrator

Average salary for freshers

NZD 88,000

₹ 3,00,000 - ₹ 5,00,000


Top Recruiters of New Zealand for MS in Computer Science 

Top recruiters for MS in Computer Science in New Zealand offer a good salary after completing the program. The list of recruiters is listed below who recruit the graduates after the programme.

  • Xero
  • Datacom
  • IBM
  • Orion Health
  • Deloitte
  • Pushpay
  • Amazon
  • Infosys
  • PwC


MS in Computer Science in New Zealand Salary Package

The salary of MS in Computer Science in New Zealand for different job roles is listed below. The freshers get a salary around NZD 77,000 and the experienced employees get a salary around NZD 1,00,000. 

Job role

Salary in NZD

Salary in INR

Application support

NZD 75,000

₹ 38,80,000

System analyst

NZD 76,000

₹ 39,30,000

Front-end Developer

NZD 77,000

₹ 40,00,000

IT Security Consultant

NZD 1,00,000

₹ 51,70,000

Web Developer

NZD 78,000

₹ 40,40,000

 

Frequently Asked Questions For MS in Computer Science in New Zealand


Ques 1. What are the qualifications required to take admission in the top universities for MS in Computer Science in New Zealand?

Ans 1. The qualification required to take admission in top universities of New Zealand is 70-75% in an undergraduate degree in Computer Science, IT or the same field.


Ques 2. What is the living cost of New Zealand to study MS in Computer Science in New Zealand?

Ans 2. The living cost of New Zealand is around NZD 27,000, which is INR ₹ 1,40,0000.


Ques 3. Who are the top recruiters of MS in Computer Science in New Zealand?

Ans 3. The top recruiters of MS in Computer Science in New Zealand are IBM, Xero, PwC, Amazon, Deloitte, Infosys, and many more.


Ques 4. What is the average tuition fee to study Masters in Computer Science in New Zealand?

Ans 4. The average tuition fee to study Masters in Computer Science in New Zealand ranges around ₹ 20,68,000 to ₹ 31,00,000.


Ques 5. How much salary does a fresher get after completing MS in Computer Science in New Zealand? 

Ans 5. The fresher gets a salary after completing MS in Computer Science in New Zealand, around ₹ 67,00,000 annually.